Can anyone explain to me how exactly a timeshare works? We want to go to Aruba and a friend has a timeshare with RCI in Virginia. He has put his week up for us but has told us that we may not know if we got our week in Aruba until 2 weeks before we want to go (for our honeymoon). Should we really wait until 2 weeks before? It seems risky to me since we can't even buy our airfare since we do not know if we got it or even if we do, which resort it will be at. We requested Playa Linda and Costa Linda as our top 2 choices. Should we forget about saving the extra money and just book on our own? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

We have a few timeshares one with RCI and others with Intervale. We tried to get another week in Aruba using a Week we had banked and we never got to go. I feel that Aruba is the most difficult places to "trade" to. We have trade to Fla, the west coast, like long boat key, captiva island, sanabell island. but no luck with aruba...personally, I wouldn't chance my honeymoon trip and wait until 2 weeks before.
good luck, and happy nups.

There is no way I would wait until two weeks before to know if I was going anywhere. You might not even get a flight at that time. Trading through RCI means that they can only give you a unit if someone turns theirs in. Otherwise there is nothing they can do for you. Good luck.

Never heard of having to be on standby for a timeshare. I don't own a timeshahe but a friend of mine gave me a week a few years ago. We wanted to go to St Martin and he called RCI, found a place and we knew months before we went. This is you honeymoon why take a chance. Call MCM tours at 1-800-oh aruba. They have been around forever, only book Aruba and I guarentee that you will get a GREAT deal. Their Radisson, Hyatt and Wyndham as well as other packages include full breakfasts and food credits.Yoiu have enough details to worry about why put this on the top of the list?

Depends on the type of timeshare it is.

Some are Deeded, meaning you own a specific unit/room during a specific week for life.

Other timeshares, you buy a certain number of weeks (ie. 30 or 40 weeks.) You use the weeks when you want. You can spread them out over time, or take them all at once.

The main difference, is that with the second choice, you don't always get the same room and week. It's based on availability.

You did not mention what month you wanted. You could be asking for something in the season that is in big demand. You also could be requesting something that is not equal to what your friend deposited. These two resorts are in very big demand. If going to Aruba is very important, I would book your flight and see if RCI comes thru, If they do not then you could book your hotel. You can go to the Playa Linda web site and post that you were interested in renting what ever week you wanted. You might be able to get a good deal from an owner.

IMHO, the uncertainty is way too much added stress on an already stressed bride-to-be.

When you are exchanging, it is on availability. I would not wait till 2 weeks before,if you get it you might have a problem with a flight. Look to rent on your own a time-share or take a hotel package.Check out the Wyndham,Marriott,Raddisson & Hyatt. Go to a travel agent and check out what they each offer. They are all on Palm Beach .

IF IT'S FEB. 2004 YOU WANT (SUN.22nd,- SUN.)CONTATCT ME: abergi@aol.com

You can find an extensive section on timeshares and a financial model on buying vs renting, on our web site:

http://www.arubahouse.com

Just scroll past the house stuff for this an other useful Aruba info.
Hugh